One of the most important turning points in his life was working for Gogliardo Freddi, his future father in law. Lorenzo Bandini loved engines and he wanted to get on the racetrack. With the help of Freddi, he started his competitive career in Vernasca, with a Fiat 1100 TV. Initially, he participated in races to learn and to gain experience. His first success was at the 1958 Mille Miglia with a Lancia Appia. In 1960, he became one of Stanguellini’s official drivers. In 1961 his debut in F1, at the Belgian GP, hired by the Centro-Sud team, he finished third overall. After winning the 4 Hours of Pescara, he fulfilled his dream of becoming an official Ferrari driver in 1962.

He raced the Targa Florio with Baghetti and he ended third overall at the Montecarlo GP. He went back to Mimmo Dei and in 1963 he raced with the Cooper-Maserati first and then with BRM. Ferrari called him to race in the sports cars races and he won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans with Scarfiotti. Thanks to Bandini, Surtees won his first world championship in Mexico. In 1965 he won the Targa Florio with Vaccarella.

In 1967 he started with two victories as a pair with Amon on the 330 P4: the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1000km in Monza. At the Monaco GP, Bandini’s start was perfect, but he was overtaken by Hulme and Stewart. He tried to catch up, but at the famous Chicane, Lorenzo lost control over his car and unfortunately, he didn’t survive. An enthusiastic and likeable driver who managed to win over the fans’ hearts was gone.